Pit Bulls Might Be Available As Service Dogs in Yakima

Yakima's City Council could make some changes to the city's pit bull ban after getting a handful of letters from people saying they use the breed as service dogs according to a report by KNDO News.

There is still a pit bull ban inside Yakima city limits, but these changes would make an exception for people that use pit bulls as service dogs in association with the American Disabilities Act.

The Code Administration Manager says if you decide to use a pit bull as a service animal you have to meet with the city and get a license even though the fee is waived. You will also have to keep a muzzle on the dog when walking it, use a leash no longer than four feet and keep it in a fully enclosed kennel when the dog is in the backyard.

The city says their top priority is public safety.

"We're just trying to do our due diligence to protect the public from a dog that we do have a ban, so the public can feel comfortable when they see one of these dogs walking down the street," Code Administration Manager Joe Caruso explained to KNDO.

Any pit bull used as a service dog will have to be spayed or neutered and micro chipped. The city says they are currently meeting with about five to six people who say they want to use pit bulls as their service dogs.

The city council will vote on the ordinance during their next city council meeting.